Rather, he has decided the Potters' Begovic is the answer to his goalkeeping problems.

The fact that Begovic, 26, would be eligible for the Champions League's knockout stages makes him a live target for the January window.

Stoke will hold out for a massive fee for Begovic who has over two years of his contract left to run, but the Blues have plenty of cash to spend to solve this major issue.

(Image: Clive Rose)

Hart is set to be offered to his former Eastlands boss Mark Hughes as part of the deal on a loan basis, with most of his £110,000-a-week wages paid by the Blues, giving Stoke a top keeper at a bargain price for the rest of the season.

The 26-year-old’s England place will come under pressure before the World Cup finals next summer if he loses his spot at the Etihad permanently.

Going to a Premier League rival has not done Hart any harm in the past - he spent a year at Birmingham, where he first made his name.

The Blues would also be happy to see Hart playing in the top flight and the World Cup to keep his confidence up - as well as his transfer value.